The Rise of American Monasticism (UOJ)

Proud to have contributed for this article the photograph of the Synaxis of Monastic Superiors of the Orthodox Church in America (© 2016, Ralph H. Sidway, All Rights Reserved. Digital manipulation by the editors.) The Rise of American Monasticism by Roman Roberts, Oct. 5, 2026, Union of Orthodox Journalists From its early foundations to its …

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New Gallery & Thebaid Project Update

Major news on key aspects of the North American Thebaid project, plus a new gallery of monastery images, makes this a very special update... Well, it wasn't exactly intentional, but following my pilgrimage to the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Jct, Michigan in early February, my photo editing workload resulted in …

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Abbot Damascene Interview: Video 6 of 6

“'Pray for us!' is the message that comes from the people from the USA to the Greek Orthodox Christians. 'Orthodox Christians hold your faith!' With these words ends the interview of Archimandrite Damascene, abbot of St. Herman’s of Alaska monastery in California, in this last part." Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | …

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Translation of the relics of the Venerable Zosimas of Solovki

Two of the Russian Orthodox Church's most important monastery founders are commemorated on August 8, Saints Zosimas and Sabbatius of Solovki. Though not my patron saint (Abba Zosimas of Palestine, whom the Lord led to find St Mary of Egypt and bring her edifying life story to the Church), I have a special devotion to …

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Books for Monastic Seekers: ‘Recollections of Mount Athos’

A warm and inspiring first-person account of the author's journey to the Holy Mountain as a young man, his experiences with different monasteries, counsels received from various monks and elders, and how the Lord directed his steps and helped him grow in his early days as a monk. Published in the early years of St …

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